…Describes Mohammed as a Master of Local Content
The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has identified investing in capital projects, local content and staff welfare, among others as its reasons for supporting Dr Usman Gur Mohammed to remain as the Managing Director/CEO of Transmission Company of Nigeria.
Dr Mohammed was suddenly removed from office by the Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman on May 20, 2020.
However, in its statement, NUEE disclosed that Mohammed invested massively in many areas, including additional lines and construction of substations nationwide, thus increasing TCN’s wheeling capacity from 500 megawatts, MW in 2017 to the current over 8,100 megawatts, MW.
According to NUEE, Mohammed, who initiated plans to increase it further from the current 8,100 MW to 20,000 MW by 2022, also implemented many projects and programmes, targeted at stabilising the national grid for optimum performance.
Similarly, the Union noted that he instituted the culture of prudent management of resources as shown in the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, (TREP), which secured USD 1.661 million loan from multi-lateral financing agencies to fund the TREP projects.
Furthermore, it stated that as a master of Local Content, Mohammed made ample use of indigenous engineers to execute TCN’s projects and programmes, thus promoting local content and conserving funds, adding that the engineers installed over 68 power transformers within a short period.
The Union, which feels that Mohammed should be celebrated, apparently because of his accomplishments, noted that he pursued and got 795 TCN containers, which had been at the ports for more than 10 years for use.
In addition, NUEE maintained that he gave priority to the provision of functional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), required for effective grid management.
Also, as a staff of the African Development Bank, ADB, on secondment to TCN, NUEE observed that, Mohammed brought tremendous goodwill and support from the international community for the development of Nigeria’s power sector.
According to the Union, Mohammed also took special interest in the welfare of workers, which motivated them to become more productive.
While noting that he was confirmed the MD/CEO in 2018, NUEE added that Mohammed also protected the national interest of Nigeria against the selfish interest of others, including ‘foreign predators’.
The removal of Mohammed had culminated in protest, especially as the workers, who called for his immediate reinstatement felt he did not deserve such treatment, having done well for the power sector and Nigeria.
However, the aggrieved workers had also demanded the resignation of the Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh, over Mohammed’s sack, alleging that the minister was bent on promoting foreign interests at the detriment of Nigerians.
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